High Sierra Topix

I am looking for a good destination halfway between me in the Bay Area and my brother in Washington State, and came across Sky Lakes Wilderness just west of Klamath Falls in southern Oregon. Anyone been there? The PCT goes through it, there are 3 lake basins--it looks quite interesting.

Never been there, but what I've heard hasn't been all that enthusiastic.

Some other nice destinations might be (from S-N) the Marble Mountains, Diamond Peak Wilderness, or Three Sisters Wilderness.

What's the timing?

- Oleander

Lots of the Sky Lakes burned a few years ago. Mostly in the south end below Isherwood and Heavenly Twin Lakes. North of these lakes, look at Lake Margurette, which is accessed from the east side, along Klamath Lake. Sky Lakes is a much gentler landscape compared to the High Sierra.

How much time would you have for the trip? And the dates? Where in Washington? If close to Olympic NP, I would go there, although it is not "between" Bay area and most of Washington.

Wandering Daisy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:13 pm How much time would you have for the trip? And the dates? Where in Washington? If close to Olympic NP, I would go there, although it is not "between" Bay area and most of Washington.

Yeah, can I second Washington state? There are no more mountainy mountains in the lower 48. Enchantments, Sahale Arm, Tatoosh Range. Lots of stuff on my list there.

c9h13no3 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:37 pm

Wandering Daisy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:13 pm How much time would you have for the trip? And the dates? Where in Washington? If close to Olympic NP, I would go there, although it is not "between" Bay area and most of Washington.

Yeah, can I second Washington state? There are no more mountainy mountains in the lower 48. Enchantments, Sahale Arm, Tatoosh Range. Lots of stuff on my list there.

If it were me, I'd spend a few days in Washington instead as well. I guess I'm thirding it?

Before counting on Washington, you need to check out the permit issues due to COVID-19. Rainier and Olympic are National Parks so they may be a permit mess. It has been so long since I backpacked in Washington, that I so not know much about permits.

And if you are a wimpy California kid like me, before counting on Washington, you need to check the weather forecast! Hiking in the rain with low clouds obscuring the peaks is quite common there, and not fun for me.
-Phil

Thanks all for your input! My brother and I decided to circumnavigate the Three Sisters in late July. I have been there once before but not to see those magnificent volcanoes from all sides.

For my June trip I am headed solo to the Marble Mountains, discussed in another thread.

As for Washington State backpacking, I have done quite a few trips with my brother, including the Olympics, Alpine Lakes wilderness, and Rainer. For this trip I was looking for something that did not require long driving or difficult permits given the Covid situation. Three Sisters is 8 hours away for me, but at least I would not be starting the hike at high elevation. And no reservations required.

Again, thank you for your advice!